Black Tip Diving & Water Sports is a PADI Gold Palm IDC resort located in Koh Tao, Thailand. The main dive shop and resort are located in quiet and relaxed Aow Tanote on the east side of the island. In Tanote Bay, renowned for its snorkelling, you’ll be able to spot some of our usual residents: turtles, parrot fish, Blue Spotted Stingrays, Jenkins Whip Rays, butterfly fish, scorpion fish, file fish and of course the Black Tip Reef Sharks, for which the resort is named.

At Black Tip Koh Tao we hope to not only show off the beauty of his homeland, but also as a way to give something back to the community. Our goals are to highlight the beauty of the island while teaching people how to dive safely and how to carefully interact with the marine environment. Helping us to achieve his goals are our local and international staff who can teach in a variety of languages.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao, which means Turtle Island, is a small paradise (only 21km²) set in the midst of the Gulf of Thailand about 70km off the east coast of mainland Thailand. Initially the island was uninhabited until 1933 when the island was used as a political prison. But in 1947 then Prime Minister, Khun A-Paiwong, received a royal pardon for all the prisoners. Soon after the island was slowly populated by families migrating from Koh Pha Ngan. They came to harvest and cultivate the nutrient rich soil.

Around 1950 members of Ko Dam’s family migrated to Koh Tao to start a coconut plantation. Originally Aow Tanote was owned entirely by his family. And while you’re in Tanote see if you can spot the one palm tree that’s different from the rest. This sugar palm, or Tanote, was planted by Ko Dam’s grandmother, Nae Suwan, for which the bay is named.

Meanwhile the population steadily grew, and the first backpackers finally arrived in the early 80’s. Due to its natural beauty above and below the water, Koh Tao was hailed as a paradise. Word quickly spread about the undiscovered island and it became a popular destination. The local business expanded to meet the needs of the new clientele and today you can find almost anything you need.

Boat and pick up taxis go to all parts of the island. Many shops on the island provide internet, phone and fax service. There are also a good number of banks and agencies that can exchange traveller’s cheques and foreign currency and several ATMs on Koh Tao. Most retailers accept VISA, Master Card and American Express; however, they do charge tax. Several different ferry companies provide transportation to and from the island from several different destinations.

To reach Koh Tao you can either buy a joint bus/boat or train/boat ticket from any travel agent in Bangkok. Take the bus/train to Chumporn and they will transfer you to the boat to Koh Tao. Or you can fly to Samui and take the boat from there to Koh Tao. Please note that the last boat from Samui to Koh Tao leaves at 1:30 PM.

Dive Sites

The abundance of marine life and the beauty of the coral reefs surrounding the island have lead Koh Tao to become one of the major dive sites in Thailand, attracting beginners and professionals alike. There are over 30 dive sites surrounding Koh Tao, most within close proximity to the island.

Conditions

The water is an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius with few currents. Dive site depths range from 10 – 40 plus meters making diving enjoyable for all levels of divers.

Diving is possible year round with peak seasons tending to be around March, April and again from June to September. During these times visibility can reach up to 30 meters. The monsoon season in the Gulf of Thailand starts in November and goes until about January. Though it is typically rainy only in November, diving is still possible. Whale sharks, Minke Whales, pilot whales and Bruda Whales have been spotted around Koh Tao during these months.

Whale sharks also typically visit the island during the months of April and September, during their migrations to and from Australia. Although, over the last year we have been seeing them year round from the shallows of King Kong to the deeper waters of Sail Rock and everywhere in between!

The Diving

At Black Tip we visit the top 3 sites Sail Rock, Chumporn Pinnacle and South West Pinnacle several times a week along with a variety of other sites throughout the week. Below is just a brief taste of what to expect, so come and find out more about these amazing sites for yourself!

Sail Rock is the premier dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. The main single pinnacle rises out of the water and plunges to a depth of 40 plus meters. Home to everything from cushion star shrimp to whale sharks this site is a favorite of divers and snorkelers alike. Probably the most exciting feature of this site is the vertical chimney which starts around 9 meters and goes down to about 16 meters.

Chumporn Pinnacle is a series of under water pinnacles grouped closely together. The pinnacles start at about 14 meters below the surface and drop down to about 36 meters. The tops of the pinnacles are completely covered by a field of anemones under which you can find crabs and moray eels hiding. Chumporn is also home to many Grey Reef Sharks and a Bull Shark!

South West Pinnacle consists of about seven underwater pinnacles and a secret outer pinnacle that will put your navigation skills to the test. Starting just 5 meters below the surface and dropping down to an average depth of 26 meters, this beautiful site will have you mesmerized. Here you can be surrounded by a giant ball of fusiliers or maybe even see a Zebra Shark.

Rising up out of the water from a depth of about 25 meters Shark Island is a great site day or night. Check out hunting Great Barracuda at night, and by day explore the vivid soft coral gardens. This site also offers some great drift dives around the full moon.

With stunning hard coral formations and a wide variety of marine life White Rock is a photographer’s dream. Here you’ll find plenty of Blue Spotted Stingrays posing for the camera as well as morays, King fish, snappers, giant puffers and maybe even Albert, an extremely friendly Triple Tailed Wrasse who likes to follow the divers around the site.

Our house reef in Aow Tanote has really got it all! Sharks, turtles, octopus, pipe fish even a small catamaran wreck! Tanote Bay is great for snorkeling and diving day or night and never ceases to surprise you with its wide variety of inhabitants. The maximum depth inside the bay is 12 meters, so it’s great for beginning divers and student training with its calm conditions. The wreck is just outside the bay in about 18 meters of water. It’s a 5 meter long catamaran we sank back in 2002. It’s now home to porcupine fish, bat fish, remora and a Jenkins Whip Ray.

Put your buoyancy skills to the test at Hin Wong Bay! With an average depth of 15 meters this site offers a great variety of swim throughs to challenge all levels of divers. Beyond the swim throughs the bay is covered by stag horn corals and table corals making homes for Scribbled File fish and dancing juvenile Harlequin Sweet lips!

Non-Diving

So you’re not diving or want a change? Well, there’s plenty of other things to do at Black Tip and on Koh Tao.

Located in Aow Tanote are several restaurants, as well as our own Blue Water Restaurant serving sea food, Thai and western food. You can also spend the evenings at our Blue’s Beach Bar and catch the latest sports match.

All around the island you’ll find mouth watering culinary delights. No matter what you’re craving – Indian, Swedish, Italian, Thai or middle eastern- you can find it all on Koh Tao.

Relax on the beach or soothe your body after all that traveling with a Thai massage or yoga sessions.

If you’re feeling more active go hiking, mountain biking, or snorkeling. We have several snorkel trips available. See the Black Tip Reef sharks or go around the island on a snorkel. Trip. We also have kayaks for rent. And if you’re feeling more daring, then try out waterskiing, wakeboarding, tyre rides and Sumo rides.

Or if you want to get out of the water sign up for Muay Thai boxing lessons or go rock climbing. And new to the island is mini golf and island style bowling.

Volunteers are always appreciated and welcome at the local public school and at the non profit animal clinic.

Half day and full day rental of the speed boat with all water toys included is also available. Or hire the speed boat for private dive trips.

Accommodation

During your stay in Tanote Bay make yourself at home in our luxurious bungalows. Made of local materials as well as marble and granite, our bungalows are suited for all budgets.

We have several types of bungalows available, all come with western toilet, 24 hour electricity, a choice of fan or aircon and most rooms come with hot water.

We have an economy room with double bed and shared bathroom (shared only between 2 rooms). The economy is ideal for families/groups as the 2 rooms are joined in the middle by the shared bathroom. The price is per room.

A standard bungalow comes with double or twin beds, private bathroom and balcony.

Our Economy Standard bungalow has double bed, private balcony and private bathroom and sea view. However, this room does NOT have hot water shower or A/C.

An Economy Family Bungalow can accommodate up to 3 people. It comes with one double bed and one single bed, private bathroom and verandah.

And, we also have the larger Family bungalow for 3 persons.

We have a Deluxe room suitable for 4 persons. The Deluxe bungalow has TV, fridge, 2 double beds, private balcony and private bathroom with hot water shower.

Anyone who completes a scuba diving course that results in certification (Scuba Diver level or higher) will receive a 50% discount off these prices for the duration of their stay. Certified fun divers receive a 15% discount off these prices (minimum of 2 dives in a day) on the day of their dives.

We offer a free one time transfer from the Koh Tao pier for hotel guests.

Follow the adventures of Ting, Tong and Tip

During your stay in Tanote Bay make yourself at home in our luxurious bungalows. Made of local materials as well as marble and granite, our bungalows are suited for all budgets.

We have several types of bungalows available, all come with western toilet, 24 hour electricity, a choice of fan or aircon and most rooms come with hot water.

We have an economy room with double bed and shared bathroom (shared only between 2 rooms). The economy is ideal for families/groups as the 2 rooms are joined in the middle by the shared bathroom. The price is per room.

A standard bungalow comes with double or twin beds, private bathroom and balcony.

Our Economy Standard bungalow has double bed, private balcony and private bathroom and sea view. However, this room does NOT have hot water shower or A/C.

An Economy Family Bungalow can accommodate up to 3 people. It comes with one double bed and one single bed, private bathroom and verandah.

And, we also have the larger Family bungalow for 3 persons.

We have a Deluxe room suitable for 4 persons. The Deluxe bungalow has TV, fridge, 2 double beds, private balcony and private bathroom with hot water shower.

Anyone who completes a scuba diving course that results in certification (Scuba Diver level or higher) will receive a 50% discount off these prices for the duration of their stay. Certified fun divers receive a 15% discount off these prices (minimum of 2 dives in a day) on the day of their dives.

We offer a free one time transfer from the Koh Tao pier for hotel guests.

PEAK SEASON (JULY 1 to SEPTEMBER 30 and DECEMBER 15 to JANUARY 31)

FAN

A/C

ECONOMY

Normal

800

1,400

Student

400

700

Fun Diver

680

1,190

STANDARD

Normal

1,100

1,700

Student

550

850

Fun Diver

935

1,445

ECON STANDARD

Normal

800

N/A

Student

400

N/A

Fun Diver

680

N/A

ECON FAMILY

Normal

1,500

2,100

Student

750

1,050

Fun Diver

1,275

1,785

FAMILY

Normal

1,800

2,400

Student

900

1,200

Fun Diver

1,530

2,040

DELUXE

Normal

2,400

3,000

Student

1,200

1,500

Fun Diver

2,040

2,550

FAN

A/C

ECONOMY

Normal

600

1,200

Student

300

600

Fun Diver

510

1,020

STANDARD

Normal

900

1,500

Student

450

750

Fun Diver

765

1,275

ECON STANDARD

Normal

600

N/A

Student

300

N/A

Fun Diver

510

N/A

ECON FAMILY

Normal

1,300

1,900

Student

650

950

Fun Diver

1,105

1,615

FAMILY

Normal

1,600

2,200

Student

800

1,100

Fun Diver

1,360

1,870

DELUXE

Normal

2,200

2,800

Student

1,100

1,400

Fun Diver

1,870

2,380

GREEN SEASON (MAY 1 to JUNE 30 and OCTOBER 1 to DECEMBER 14)

FAN

A/C

ECONOMY

Normal

400

1,200

Student

free
during course

600

Fun Diver

340

1,020

STANDARD

Normal

550

1,500

Student

275

750

Fun Diver

468

1,275

ECON STANDARD

Normal

400

N/A

Student

200

N/A

Fun Diver

340

N/A

ECON FAMILY

Normal

750

1,900

Student

375

950

Fun Diver

638

1,615

FAMILY

Normal

1,000

2,200

Student

500

1,100

Fun Diver

850

1,870

DELUXE

Normal

1,600

2,800

Student

800

1,400

Fun Diver

1,360

2,380

Prices are in Thai Baht.

Prices are subject to change without prior notification.

Please note that if you do not stay for the entire duration of your reservation, you will be charged 20% for the remaining days. You may extend your booking at no extra cost, provided there are no prior reservations.

Conservation

Black Tip Diving is dedicated to environmental protection and conservation. We would like to take this space to highlight various aquatic concerns. Please check this page regularly, as the feature topic will be updated recurrently. If there are any topics you would like us to address, please let us know.

At a time when we are putting a large strain on our natural resources and the price of fuel is rising higher and higher, there is an alternative; bio diesel. Bio diesel is a clean burning alternative fuel that is made from renewable resources such as cooking oil, soaps and candles made with tallow and even insects. Bio diesel does not contain any petroleum, although, it can be combined with petroleum at any percentage or used independently.

Bio diesel helps preserve and protect natural resources. For every one unit of energy needed to produce bio diesel, 3.24 units of energy are gained. This is the highest energy balance of any fuel. Because of this high energy balance and since it is domestically produced, bio diesel use can greatly contribute to domestic energy security.

The advantages of bio diesel are numerous for our health, the environment and the machines it is used in. Because bio diesel has a higher lubricity than petroleum diesel it helps engines and machine parts to last longer.

Studies have shown there to be a significant decrease in the amounts of poisonous gases when bio diesel is used. Tests have shown that the carbon monoxide emissions from bio diesel are 48% lower than that of regular diesel. This is good news for divers who spend long surface intervals on the boat and may be breathing in the exhaust from the engines. Bio diesel could lessen the threat of monoxide poisoning which is a serious risk for divers.

Hydrocarbon emissions, which cause localized smog, are also lessened by approximately 67%. And sulfur emissions, which are a major component of acid rain, are nearly eliminated. The U.S. Department of Energy found that bio diesel produces 78.5% less carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.

Bio diesel is non toxic, non explosive and bio degradable. It can be produced and stored in your home without worry. You can make it in your own kitchen with ingredients you probably already have around your house.

Bio diesel is already being used in Europe, America and being tested for use in places such as Hong Kong and Taiwan. In some places it is being sold publicly. It can be used with your existing diesel engine with little or no modification.

Here at Black Tip we plan to use a bio diesel mix for use in our boats and generator. We can collect cooking oil, candles and soaps and produce our own bio diesel. This is an important method for Koh Tao, where everything must be shipped from the mainland. This is another way for us to recycle our wastes on the island.

For more information about bio diesel or to learn how to make your own, please contact the Coastal Preservation and Development (CPAD) Foundation.

PADI Courses

We have courses and programs starting everyday. Our instructors can teach in a number of languages, so let us know your language preference and we will try to accommodate you. If for any reason you are unable to complete a course, you can stop and pay only for the portions you completed. You will also receive a referral for the parts you completed so that you may finish your training with another PADI instructor within a one year period. For more detailed information about courses and programs contact us or click on the links to the PADI website.

The Bubble Maker program is an introduction to the thrill of breathing underwater for kids as young as 8 years old. On this half day program, children will learn the basic signals and rules used in scuba diving and try out SCUBA at a maximum depth of 2 meters.

1,200 baht

Kids as young as 10 years of age can participate in most PADI scuba diving courses. 10 – 11 year olds will be limited to a maximum depth of 12 meters. After certification, 10 – 11 year olds may only dive with a parent, guardian or PADI professional. 12 – 14 year olds will be limited to a maximum depth of 21 meters. After certification, 12 – 14 year olds may dive with a certified buddy of legal age. At the ages of 15, junior divers will be upgraded to the adult level.

Not sure if you’ll like diving? Then try out the Discover Scuba Diving program. On this 1 day trial course you’ll learn some basic rules, safety precautions, and signs used in scuba diving. Then we’ll have you in the water that very afternoon playing with the fish and sting rays! If you like it and want to continue on with the open water course, then you can simply continue on as the Discover Scuba Diving is actually the first day of the open water course.

3,000 baht

Due to a change in PADI standards, effective 1 January 2012, all student divers must have in their possession a set of current materials for study and use during the course and for reference afterwards. Having your own personal materials will help you enhance retention of dive knowledge. To comply with the new standards most courses include the necessary materials in the course price unless noted otherwise.

If you would like to do a scuba diving course but don’t have the time, then try the PADI scuba diver course. The PADI Scuba Diver program is a pre-entry level certification that is perfect for vacationers or people who only plan to dive a couple times a year. The Scuba Diver program can be completed in as little as 2 days. With the PADI Scuba Diver certification you can dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Dive Master, Assistant Instructor or Instructor to a maximum depth of 12 meters on your next vacation or dive trip. The course price includes the PADI manual and PADI dive table.

7,100 baht

The Open Water Diver Course (OWD) will teach you the basics of scuba diving over a 4 day course. The course is broken into 3 parts: 5 academic sessions, 5 confined water sessions and 4 open water dives. During the academic sessions you will learn basic dive theory and safety together with your instructor and through independent self study. You will learn basic dive skills such as removing and replacing your mask, sharing air with another diver and buoyancy control during the confined water sessions. Confined water sessions will initially be conducted at a depth of 1 meter, then gradually we’ll take you down to a maximum depth of 5 meters.

And finally, you’ll be able to put all your knowledge and skills to the test during your 4 open water dives. Your first few open water dives will be to a maximum depth of 12 meters and will be completed on our house reef. Your final dives will be to a maximum depth of 18 meters to one of the many dive sites surrounding Koh Tao.

SAMPLE
OPEN WATER SCHEDULE

DAY

AM

PM

EVENING

1

Academics 1 – 2
(1:30 hours)

Confined 1, Open Water
Dive 1
(2 – 3 hours)

Watch videos
(1:30 hours)

2

Academics 3 – 4
(1:30 hours)

Confined 2 -5
(3 hours)

watch video
(45 mins)

3

Academics 5
(1 hour)

Open Water Dives 2
– 3
(3 hours)

4

Open Water Dive 4,
Optional Dive

Final Exam

Our Silver Open Water course is the basic PADI course. You will be qualified to dive together with another certified diver independent of a diving professional to a depth of 18 meters, within the scope of your experience. Upon completing the course you will have 4 logged open water dives. The course price includes the PADI manual and PADI dive table.

11,000 baht

The PADI Open Water Gold course includes an extra dive from the Advanced Open Water course called Peak Performance Buoyancy (valued at 1600 baht). Buoyancy is a key skill to diving, yet is one of the most difficult skills for divers to master. This dive will help you learn to better control your movements in order to protect the environment and also to extend your dive time. Additionally, you will be able to credit this dive towards your Advanced Open Water certification. All materials are included in the course price and classes are a maximum of 4 Students per Instructor.

12,000 baht.

The Advanced Open Water (AOW) course gives certified divers an opportunity to explore the different areas of diving and decide what they like best: underwater photography, night diving or maybe fish identification. To be certified as an Advanced diver, you must complete a deep dive, a navigation dive and 3 more dives of your choice.

You may choose from the following:

Aware Fish Identification: Learn the basics of fish identification.

Deep Diving : Go 20,000 leagues under the sea!

Diver propulsion Vehicle : Use underwater scooters to get around faster and see more.

Multilevel and Computer Diving : The best way to maximize to your dive time.

Underwater Photography : The only thing you should take from the water is a picture.

Wreck Diving : Discover the past in the present.

The Silver Advanced Open Water course is the basic PADI Advanced course. It can be completed in as little as 2 days. The course price includes the Adventures in Diving manual only. Depending on which three optional dives you choose, extra costs may be incurred.

9,500 baht

Our Gold Advanced course includes one extra dive (valued at 1700 baht). For the extra dive you may choose either a Scuba Review or a Peak Performance Buoyancy dive. You may incur some extra costs depending on which optional dives you choose. The course price includes the Adventures in Diving manual.

10,500 baht

Extra costs may be incurred depending upon which optional dives you choose. Please contact us for futher details.

The Emergency First Response is a good course for travelers and even non divers. You will cover basic first aid skills such as controlling bleeding, treating shock, rescue breathing, CPR and dealing with spinal injuries. In order to take the Rescue course you must previously be certified for Basic First Aid and CPR within the last 2 years. If you do not have this or your training is expired, then the Emergency First Response will cover this. The EFR course includes Automated External Defibrillator training free. The Emergency First Response student manual is included in the price.

3,500 baht

We also offer a Care for Children course. This course focuses on CPR and First Aid techniques specific to infants and children. This is a great course for parents, care givers and anyone who works with children. This course is required for anyone who would like to become an Emergency First Response Instructor. The Care for Children manual is included in the price.

3500 baht

As a PADI Rescue Diver you will learn to assist and manage dive accidents. During the course you will learn about typical equipment malfunctions, common diver problems and how to prevent them. You will also learn how to deal with various situations such as tired or panicked divers, how to perform search patterns for missing divers and how to deal with unconscious divers. You must be an Advanced certificate diver and have CPR/First Aid training within the last 2 years to participate in this course.

Our Silver Rescue course consists of the basic training required for the PADI Rescue Diver course. The course can be completed in 2 days, though it is highly recommended to give it at least 3 days. The course price includes the Rescue Diver manual and the Diving Accident Management Work slate.

10,200 baht

The Gold Rescue package also includes a self rescue session. A lot of time on the Rescue course is spent learning how to help others. However, you must first be able to help yourself. During this extra session we will teach you buddy breathing and how to deal with runaway ascents using “quick dump” and drag methods. You will also review cramp release, LPI failure, no mask swimming, air depletion, buoyancy control and equipment removal and replacement. The course price includes the manual and accident management slate.

10,700 baht

For those who want to master a particular area of diving, Specialty dive courses are also available. Specialty courses aim to teach divers how to prepare for, set up specialized equipment for and lead a dive for a specific style of diving. Specialtly courses allow divers to build confidence and gain experience with new types of equipment and different diving environments. Specialty courses typically require between 2 to 4 dives depending on the specialty. Specialty course prices include the manual and all necessary equipment unless noted otherwise.

Black Tip offers the following specialty courses:

SPECIALTY

No. of DIVES

PRICE

SPECIALTY

No. of DIVES

PRICE

Deep

4

8,200

Search
& Recovery

3

6,500

Enriched
Air

2

7,000

Naturalist

2

5,000

Navigation

3

6,500

Peak
Performance Buoyancy

2

5,000

Photography

2

5,000

Project
AWARE

0

3,000

Multilevel

2

5,000

AWARE
Coral Reef Conservation

0

3,000

Night

3

7,100

The Master Scuba Diver is PADI’s highest non professional rating. The MSD program is designed to increase diver knowledge and enhance your ability to deal with a variety of dive situations and problems. To enroll in the MSD program you must be a Rescue Diver or higher and have at least 50 logged dives. During the course you must complete 5 PADI specialties. Contact us for further details and prices.

Scuba Diving does involve some risk and it is important to ensure you are physically fit to dive. So that you may start diving right away, please download the scuba diving medical form and complete it with your physician. Bring it with you when you come to start your course.

We also offer several Divers Alert Network programs. DAN courses offer excellent training in addition to the EFR courses. These courses are excellent for avid divers and highly recommend for those on a professional track. DAN provider level courses cost 3,500 baht each and the student manual is included in the course price.

Hazardous Marine Life Injuries: Learn to identify hazardous marine life, injuries related to them and how to provide first aid for them.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving: Students will learn to recognize signs of cardiac arrest and how to administer Basic Life Support techniques and use AEDs.

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries: Learn to recognize barotrauma related injuries and how to provide emergency oxygen first aid.

Pro Dive Courses

Divemaster Course

The PADI Dive master course is an entry to the professional levels of diver training. The course is designed to develop leadership skills, increase dive knowledge and improve dive skills to a professional level.

Water skills and stamina: Candidates will perform a variety of swim tests to test their endurance and physical fitness. You will also learn how to demonstrate dive skills at an instructor level.

Practical application: Candidates will complete an internship during which you will assist on courses, lead dive tours and guide DM conducted programs.

As a certified and renewed Dive master some of the duties you will be able to perform are:

Lead dive tours.

Assist teaching status PADI instructors with courses.

Independently teach and certify Dive master conducted programs.

To enroll in the Dive master course you must:

Be 18 years of age or older.

Be certified as a PADI Rescue diver or equivalent

Have 20 logged dives.

We offer package and discounted prices for materials. The cost of the Dive master program does not include the materials, but does include an opportunity to log 60 dives which are necessary to certify as a Dive master. Those who are interested may also complete the DSD leadership program at no extra cost. The DSD leadership program allows qualified Dive masters to independently teach Discover Scuba Diving programs.

Due to new PADI standards, effective 1 January 2012, all student divers must have in their possession a set of current materials for study and use during the course and for reference afterwards.

(Prices in Thai Baht)

RETAIL PRICE

DISCOUNTED PRICE

Dive Master manual

1,174

1,115

Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving

1,646

1,546

Knowledge Review Workbook

682

648

Dive master slates

1,259

1,196

DSD Instructor Guides

284

270

Skin Diver/Snorkeling Instr. Guide

284

270

Scuba Review/Local Diving Instr.
Guide

284

270

ERDP ML

1,034

982

RDP Table

641

609

Package price for above
materials

7,288

6,924

Compass

Ask for
details

Dive Tool

Ask for
details

Timing Device

Ask for
details

Safety Sausage

Ask for
details

U/W slate

Ask for
details

Whistle

Ask for
details

IDC

The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) prepares candidates to work as Assistant Instructors and/or Open Water Scuba Instructors. The PADI IDC combines previously learned dive theory and skills with additional training so that you may implement the PADI system while teaching in the classroom and confined or open water environments. The PADI IDC begins with independent learning and encompasses both the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program.

Candidates wishing to enroll in the AI/OWSI programs must:

Be certified as a PADI Dive master or hold a leadership level certification with another recreational diver training organization in order to enroll in the AI course. Be certified as a PADI Assistant Instructor or as a current instructor member in good standing with another recreational diver training organization for at least 6 months in order to enroll in the OWSI course.

Be at least 18 years old.

Be fit for diving and submit a medical statement for a diving medical examination signed by a licensed physician within the last 12 months.

Have been certified for at least 6 months and have 60 logged dives showing experience in deep, night and navigation diving.

Submit proof of CPR and First Aid training within the last 24 months.

Submit documentation of any qualifying certification issued by another recreation diver training organization.

Prior to starting AI/OWSI programs, candidates should prepare independently by reviewing dive theory, practicing dive skills and completing the necessary knowledge reviews in the Instructor Candidate Workbook. Black Tip offers IDC candidates a chance to assist on courses, lead fun dives and practice dive skills prior to the start of the IDC.

Sample IDC Schedule

DAY 1 Course Orientation

DAY 2 – 5 AI/Prep

DAY 6 – 12 IDC

DAY 13 Mock IE and Final Counseling

DAY 14 Free Day

DAY 15 EFRI

DAY 16 Free Day

DAY 17 – 18 IE

OWSI and IDC program will be conducted by Aram “Ko Dam” Limsakul, PADI Course Director and the Thai owner of Black Tip Throughout the training Ko Dam places a strong emphasis on diver safety and environmental protection. He will teach you ways to incorporate these messages into your training when you will have students of your own. Ko Dam also focuses on real life training; not just how to pass the IDC. You will learn how to best teach in a variety or environments and situations.

All of our packages include free DM theory preparation of knowledge and dive skills, free marine ecology workshop, opportunity to dive and assist on course before IDC starts, IE pass guarantee, hands on experience with teaching kids and hands on experience to conduct your own reef or coral check.

We also offer discounted “early bird prices”. In order to take advantage of the early bird price you must pay a 30% deposit at least 2 weeks in advance. 10% of the deposit will be non refundable.

Prices are in US$

NORMAL

EARLY BIRD

Dive Theory Prep

FREE

AI

385

310

OWSI + EFRI

860

774

IDC + EFRI
(Gold Package)

1,250

1,000

SPECIALTY INSTRUCTOR
(includes instructor outlines + u/w training)

120

100

NITROX INSTRUCTOR
(includes EANX diver plus 10 tanks)

300

270

Prices are in US$

NORMAL

EARLY BIRD

MSDT Option 1 (Platinum package)

Ask for
detail

MSDT Option 2 (Platinum package)

Ask for
detail

IDC Staff (includes 3 evaluation
slates)

400

320

EFR Instructor

255

205

DAN Instructor (O2/HMLI)

170

155

DAN Instructor (AED)

205

185

Candidates must also have the following materials:

(prices in Thai Baht)

RETAIL PRICE

DISCOUNTED PRICE

Candidate Workbook

2,317

2,202

Instructor Manual

7,749

7,361

Confined OW cue cards

1,561

1,483

OW Training Cue Cards

1,080

1,026

Confined Lesson Planning
Slates

484

460

OW Lesson Planning
Slates

484

460

DSD Instr. Cue Card

278

264

AOW Instr. Cue Card

1,419

1,348

Rescue Instr. Cue Card

2,262

2,149

Project AWARE Instr.
Outline

612

581

PPB Instr. Outline

612

581

Coral Reef Conservation
Outline

612

581

OW quiz & exam

314

298

Rescue Exam

201

191

DM Exams

333

316

TOTAL

20,318

19,301

19,000

As the above items are instructor tools we assume most candidates will not have these materials already, this is why we offer them as a package. The below items are also required by PADI standards, but we assume that most candidate will already have these items in their possession from prior training courses.

(prices in Thai Baht)

RETAIL PRICE

DISCOUNTED PRICE

Diving Knowledge Workbook

682

648

Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving

1,646

1,564

Table

641

609

ERDP ML

1,034

982

Open Water Diver Manual

1,625

1,544

Adventures in Diving Manual

1,801

1,711

Rescue Diver Manual

1,737

1,650

Divemaster Manual

1,174

1,115

Pocket Mask

510

459

We understand that due to luggage allowance, many candidates do not want to bring their own manuals with them. We will have the student diver manuals available for reference throughout the IDC.

Other additional fees you will have to pay are the Instructor Examination fee which is currently AU$675 and the Instructor Application Fee which is AU$170. These fees are payable directly to PADI and they do not accept cash, so you will need either Visa, Master Card or American Express.

Candidates will also need a calculator (can’t be a mobile phone), a timing device that can count seconds, a compass and an underwater writing slate. Candidates also need their own complete set of fully functioning equipment.

We also have these packages available. Prices are in US Dollars.

DM + AI

960

DM + EFRI

870

DM + AI +
EFRI

1,190

DM + IDC +
EFRI (option 1)

1,595

DM + IDC +
EFRI (option 2)

1,670

There are several option for doing your Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT). Option 1 can be done in a shorter time period and is recommend if you already have a job lined up with a dive shop. Otherwise, option 2 allows you to do a work internship at our dive resort. It gives you the opportunity to gain work experience under supervision and to obtain 25 certifications.